THE tragic tale of a baby who died of meningitis has touched people around the world.
Charlie Mann was just 15 weeks when his parents had to make the agonising decision to switch off his life support machine.
But the fundraising and awareness campaign launched by his mum Katy has now become a phenomenal success.
Katy’s online blog about Charlie has been seen by people from every corner of the world.
And Charlie’s Fund, to raise money for meningitis research, has already reached £7,000.
Much of that was raised with a successful charity night at Shepley Cricket Club, where Charlie’s grandad Ian Watkinson is secretary.
He said: “It was a brilliant night.
“Sixteen local musicians gave their services for free and played in a variety of combinations, and many of them were more than willing to pay for their own tickets to get there.
“We had a great auction and raffle, supported by the likes of Elland Brewery, Huddersfield Town and Yorkshire Cricket Club, and the night raised over £3,500.
“We are already planning other events. A firm called Fundrazor gave Katy a Paintballing Day for 50 people and that should bring in £800 in the spring.
“And we are in the process of arranging a celebrity cricket match at Shepley next summer.”
Katy, 31, a former Shelley College student, has been overwhelmed by the response.
Her story was featured in the Examiner last month and since then she has been contacted by newspapers, magazines and TV channels from countries including the United States and Australia.
She said: “People are emailing me and logging on to the website from all over the world.
“We have had 14,000 hits so far. It is extraordinary. I never thought it would develop like this.”
Katy and her husband Chris have another son James, three. The family live near Crewe.
The blog can be found at: http://charliecheekychops.blogspot.com
